Golf club and practice arrangement

ABSTRACT

A golf club has a shaft and a head attached to the shaft. The head has a ball-striking surface. An aperature is formed in the surface for allowing light to pass therethrough. A cavity is formed in the head adjacent the aperature. A light-producing insert is received within the cavity. A nonlight-producing insert is further provided for selectively replacing the light-producing insert in the cavity. A practice arrangement utilizing the golf club further includes a target which has a surface for reflecting at least a portion of a light beam produced by the light-producing insert.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/409,463, filed on Sep. 10,2002, entitled “Laser Putt II,” and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/447,593, filed on Feb. 14, 2003, entitled“Laser Putt III,” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.60/457,804, filed on Mar. 26, 2003, entitled “Laser Putt IV,” and toU.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/471,953, filed on May20, 2003, entitled “Laser Putt V.” The subject matter disclosed in thoseapplications are hereby expressly incorporated into the presentapplication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf, and moreparticularly to a golf club and practice arrangement utilizing same.More specifically, the invention relates to a golf club, and practicearrangement utilizing same, that facilitates development of proper clubhead aiming technique. It will be apparent to those of skill in therelevant arts that variations in the specific designs disclosed may bemade without departing from the spirit of the invention.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] One element of a proper golf shot is proper orientation or aim ofthe club head. It is important that the club head be properly orientedrelative to the ball during set up. A proper golf swing or stroke willreturn the club head to the ball at substantially the same orientationadopted by the player during set up. Thus, it is important that the clubhead be properly oriented or aimed relative to a target along thedesired line of ball flight or roll.

[0004] The most used club in golf is the putter. The most important anddifficult task to accomplish with a putter is proper aim. In oneembodiment, the present invention facilitates the development andpractice of proper putter aim, one of the most important fundamentals inputting and one of the most difficult to master.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the present invention is intendedprimarily as a practice device which may be used both indoors andoutdoors. However, the golf club of the present invention may be used inactual play on a course. This is desirable in that it eliminates theneed to transfer learning from a practice device to an alternative clubused in regulation play. In certain embodiments, the practicedevice/golf club of the present invention is well suited for bothpurposes, and may be used both to learn proper aim and alignment of theclub, as well as in actual playing of the game of golf.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a golf clubcomprising a shaft, a head attached to the shaft, a light-producinginsert, and a nonlight-producing insert. The head has a ball-strikingsurface, an aperature formed in the ball-striking surface for allowinglight to pass therethrough and a cavity formed in the head adjacent theaperature. The light-producing insert is configured so as to be operablyand removably received within the cavity. The nonlight-producing insertis configured so as to be selectively received within the cavity inplace of the light-producing insert. In one embodiment, thenonlight-producing insert is substantially equal in weight to thelight-producing insert and, in certain embodiments, may be substantiallythe same size and weight, and have substantially the same weightdistribution, as the light-producing insert.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the ball-striking face of the headcomprises a translucent material disposed over the aperature. A prism,or lens, may be disposed in the aperature for transmitting lightproduced by the light-producing insert. The prism columnates a lightbeam produced by the light-producing insert such that the light beamforms a line on a surface between the head and a target. In addition toforming a line on a surface, a portion of the light beam may beprojected onto a surface of a target. In certain embodiments, the prismmay be formed as part of the light-producing insert. In these or otherembodiments, the aperature is located in an approximate midpoint of theball-striking surface.

[0008] A switch may be provided to allow a user to selectively activatethe light-producing insert.

[0009] The light-producing insert preferably comprises a battery-poweredlaser device. The nonlight-producing insert may be formed of anymaterial having an appropriate size, weight and weight distribution.

[0010] In a practice arrangement particularly well-suited for putting,the invention comprises the combination of a golf club and a target. Thesubject golf club comprises a shaft, a putter head attached to theshaft, a light-producing insert, and a nonlight-producing insert. Theputter head comprises a ball-striking surface, an aperature formed inthe surface for allowing light to pass therethrough and a cavity formedin the putter head adjacent the aperature. The light-producing insert isconfigured so as to be operably and removably received within thecavity. The nonlight-producing insert is configured so as to beselectively received within the cavity in place of the light-producinginsert.

[0011] The target comprises a surface for reflecting at least a portionof a light beam produced by the light-producing insert to provide avisual indication of orientation of the putter head relative to thetarget. The target may comprise a surface which extends transversely toa target line defined by the light-producing insert. The surface mayhave a plurality of regularly-spaced marks thereon. A portion of thetarget may be configured so as to extend into a golf hole to secure thetarget in position relative to the hole. In one embodiment, a prism isprovided to columnate a light beam produced by the light-producinginsert such that the light beam forms a line on a putting surfacebetween the putting head and the putting target. A portion of the lightbeam may also be projected directly to, and reflected by, a surface ofthe target.

[0012] The concepts disclosed are not limited to use with a golf club ofthe exact type illustrated in the drawings, but may be used with clubsof many shapes, sizes, or dimensions.

[0013] Additional embodiments, features and advantages will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the followingdescription of the illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf clubconstructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf cluband practice arrangement constructed in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0016]FIG. 3 shows a front view of a portion of one embodiment of a golfclub constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 4 shows a side view of a portion of one embodiment of a golfclub constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 5 shows a top, cross-sectional view of a portion of oneembodiment of a golf club constructed in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0019]FIG. 6 shows an illustrative example of a nonlight-producinginsert used with the embodiment of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0020]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf clubconstructed in accordance with the present invention. Golf club 10includes a shaft 12 and a head 14 which is attached to shaft 12. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, the golf club head is specifically designedfor use in putting. Head 14 includes a ball striking surface or “face”16. An aperature 18 is formed in surface 16 for allowing light to passfrom the inside of head 14 through surface 16, as will be explained inmore detail below.

[0021] A prism, or lens, 19 is disposed within aperature 18. Prism 19columnates a light beam produced by the light-producing insert so as tocause a portion of the beam to define a line along a surface in front ofhead 14. A cavity (see, for example, FIG. 4) is formed within head 14for receiving a light-producing insert which is discussed andillustrated in additional detail in connection with FIGS. 3-5. Coveringaperature 18 is translucent element 20 which may be formed, for example,of clear plastic. The purpose of element 20 is to provide a smoothsurface along that portion of surface 16 which contacts a golf ball.Element 20 further serves to protect the light-producing insertdiscussed in more detail below.

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates a golf club 10, as used to practice alignmentfor a putting stroke. The arrangement of FIG. 2 includes, in addition togolf club 10, a target 22 which comprises a surface 24 having aplurality of regularly-spaced marks illustrated, for example, by marks26 and 28 spaced thereon. A beam of light, illustrated by line 30 isproduced by the light-producing insert of club 10 and projected alongline 30 to target 22. At least a portion of the light beam is reflectedoff surface 24 of target 22 so as to be visible to the user of club 10.As noted above and discussed in greater detail below, a prism or lens isprovided in the path of the light beam to “columnate” the beam so as tocause a portion of the beam to define a line along path 30. In additionto the line, a portion of the light beam is projected as a “dot” orshort vertical line on surface 24, as is illustrated by referencenumeral 32.

[0023] Target 22 is shown inserted into a hole 34 which may be a hole ona practice green or a regulation green, or another object in an indooror outdoor setting. This invention allows the user to become accustomedto and practiced at aiming the ball striking surface 16 of club 10directly at target 22. The regularly-spaced markings on surface 24 oftarget 22, which in some embodiments may extend laterally from hole 34to a greater extent than shown in FIG. 2, allow a user to aim at atarget other than the center of the hole, if desired. This is oftennecessary to accommodate for irregular or uneven putting surfaces.

[0024] It should be noted that bright sunlight may cause the path of thelight beam along line 30 to be obscured, or to become very dim. In thatevent, the dot or short line 32 projected onto surface 24 will still bevisible to the user.

[0025]FIG. 3 shows a front view of a portion of one embodiment of a golfclub constructed in accordance with the present invention. Shown indashed lines behind translucent material 20 is light-producing insert 36which is disposed within a cavity formed in head 14. Insert 36 includesone or more batteries 38 which power a light-producing source, such as alaser. The light-producing source produces a light beam which, in theembodiment illustrated, is projected from a central portion 40 of insert36 through aperature 18 and prism 19, as is illustrated in FIG. 2. Thebeam is columnated or split so as to define a line on thegenerally-horizontal surface between club head 14 and a target, and soas also to project at least a portion of the beam onto agenerally-vertical transverse element associated with the target.

[0026]FIG. 4 shows a side view of a portion of one embodiment of a golfclub constructed in accordance with the present invention. Double-dashedline 42 represents a light beam produced by light-producing insert 36,as projected through aperature 18 and prism 19, and projected along asurface between club 10 and the target. A portion of the light beam,illustrated by double lines 44 is projected directly toward the target.

[0027]FIG. 5 shows a top, cross-sectional view of a portion of oneembodiment of a golf club constructed in accordance with the presentinvention. Light-producing insert 36 is shown disposed within a cavityformed in head 14. In this embodiment, light-producing insert 36includes a laser, illustrated generally by element 46, powered bybatteries 38. Relatively small lasers of the type which may be used inthis invention are generally available, and are used in hand-heldpointing devices, firearm aiming devices, and other applications. In theembodiment illustrated, prism 19 is shown as an integral portion ofinsert 36. In other embodiments, prism 19 may be separately mounted inaperature 18.

[0028]FIG. 6 shows an illustrative example of a nonlight-producinginsert 50 used with the embodiment of FIG. 5. In the illustratedembodiment, insert 50 is substantially the same size and weight, and hassubstantially the same weight distribution, as light-producing insert36. Insert 50 is designed to replace insert 36. This may be desirable ininstances where club 10 is used in regulation golf play, or otherinstances in which the user does not wish to have light-producing insert36 installed.

[0029] An access cover may be provided in the bottom, rear, or top ofclub head 14 to provide ready access to the internal cavity and to allowfor easy interchange of inserts 36 and 50. The access cover may besecured by screws, or equivalent fasteners. In certain embodiments,either one or another of the access cover, the light-producing insert,and the nonlight-producing insert (or any combination thereof) may beprovided with a “snap fit” to facilitate access to, removal of, andinterchangeability of the inserts.

[0030] With further reference to FIG. 5, wires 52 are shown extendingfrom insert 36 to an opening in head 16 which receives shaft 12. Wires52 are also illustrated in FIG. 3. These wires extend up through shaft12 to a switch which may be positioned, for example, immediately below agrip of club 10. The switch allows a user to selectively activatelight-producing insert 36 to selectively project light beam 42/44, whendesired. In an alternative embodiment, a switch may be provided, forexample, on the sole or bottom of head 14 and operated by downwardpressure on club 10. Other alternative positions and arrangements of aswitch to activate light-producing insert 36 will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art.

[0031] Although the above description refers to particular means,materials and embodiments, one skilled in the art can easily ascertainthe essential characteristics of the present invention. Various changesand modifications may be made to adapt to various uses andcharacteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf club, comprising: a shaft; a head attachedto the shaft, said head comprising a ball striking surface, an aperatureformed in the surface for allowing light to pass there through, and acavity formed in the head adjacent the aperature; a light-producinginsert configured so as to be operably and removably received within thecavity; and a non-light-producing insert, configured so as to beselectively received within the cavity in place of the light-producinginsert.
 2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the non-light-producinginsert is substantially equal in weight to the light-producing insert.3. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the non-light-producing insert hassubstantially the same size, weight and weight distribution as thelight-producing insert.
 4. The golf club of claim 1, wherein said ballstriking surface comprises a translucent material disposed over saidaperature.
 5. The golf club of claim 1, further comprising a prismdisposed in said aperature for transmitting light produced by saidlight-producing insert.
 6. The golf club of claim 5, wherein said prismcolumnates a light beam produced by said light-producing insert suchthat said light beam forms a line on a surface between the head and aputting target.
 7. The golf club of claim 6, wherein a portion of saidlight beam produced by said light-producing insert is projected directlyto, and is reflected by a surface of the target.
 8. The golf club ofclaim 1, wherein said light-producing insert comprises a prism tocolumnate a light beam produced by said light-producing insert to form aline on a surface between the head and a target.
 9. The golf club ofclaim 8, wherein a portion of said light beam produced by saidlight-producing insert is projected directly to, and is reflected by asurface of the target.
 10. The golf club of claim 1, further comprisinga switch for allowing a user to selectively activate the light-producinginsert.
 11. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the aperature is locatedat an approximate midpoint of the ball-striking surface.
 12. The golfclub of claim 1, wherein said light-producing insert comprises a batteryand a laser.
 13. The golf club of claim 1, wherein at least one of thelight-producing insert and the nonlight-producing insert is securedwithin the cavity by a snap fit.
 14. A practice arrangement for putting,comprising the combination of a golf club and a target, the golf clubcomprising: a shaft; a putter head attached to the shaft, said putterhead comprising a ball striking surface, an aperature formed in thesurface for allowing light to pass there through, and a cavity formed inthe putter head adjacent the aperature; a light-producing insertconfigured so as to be operably and removably received within thecavity; and a non-light-producing insert, configured so as to beselectively received within the cavity in place of the light-producinginsert; and the target comprising a surface for reflecting at least aportion of a light beam produced by the light-producing insert toprovide a visual indication of orientation of the putter head relativeto the target.
 15. The practice arrangement of claim 14, wherein saidtarget comprises a surface which extends transversely to a target linedefined by the light-producing insert, said surface having a pluralityof regularly-spaced marks thereon.
 16. The practice arrangement of claim14, wherein said target includes a portion configured to extend into agolf hole to secure the target in position relative to the hole.
 17. Thepractice arrangement of claim 14, further comprising a prism disposed insaid aperature for transmitting light produced by said light-producinginsert.
 18. The practice arrangement of claim 17, wherein said prismcolumnates a light beam produced by said light-producing insert suchthat said light beam forms a line on a surface between the putter headand the target.
 19. The practice arrangement of claim 14, wherein saidlight-producing insert comprises a prism to columnate a light beamproduced by said light-producing insert to form a line on a puttingsurface between the putter head and the target.
 20. The practicearrangement of claim 14, wherein at least one of the light-producinginsert and the nonlight-producing insert is secured within the cavity bya snap fit.